Going to the movies is a fun past-time for many of us. It is often hard to pass by the popcorn stand on the way to the theater. If outrageous prices were not bad enough, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has released a report stating that a medium combo at Regal Cinemas has 1,610 calories and 60 grams of saturated fat. This equates to the calories in two sticks of butter and the saturated fat in one stick of butter. Just imagine yourself watching a movie at home and eating butter as a snack.

If popcorn wasn’t bad enough, consuming an 8-ounce bag of Reese’s Pieces will cost you 1,160 calories and 35 grams of saturated fat. A 5 oz bag of  “innocent” Twizzlers has 460 calories and 15 teaspoons of sugar.

As far as drinks are concerned – stick with water or plain seltzer. A small regular soda contains up to 300 calories. Mediums have up to 400 calories. A large soda can have 33 teaspoons of sugar. Imagine eating that.

Diet coke may be tempting to get, but recent studies indicate that this beverage of choice for many Americans may be associated with kidney problems and lead to obesity. Your brain starts associating sweetness with zero calories. When you eat a very calorie-dense cake, your brain still perceives it as a non-nutritive food thereby eliminating the signal of fullness.

My suggestion is to eat something before you head out to the movies so that you are less tempted by the treats. In addition, pack some healthy snacks in your bag – baby carrots, sliced up apple with a handful of almonds, etc.

If buying snacks at the theater is a must in your family, make sure to get the smallest size available and split it among your entire family. Even better – rent a movie and make your own air popped popcorn at home for a healthy snack. Just place some popcorn in a paper bag and place in the microwave. Then top with something healthy – spray with a little bit of olive oil, sprinkle with some cinnamon, or top with a tablespoon of the grated Parmesan cheese. Delicious and inexpensive.

E-mail us with any questions you may have at balance@topbalancenutrition.com. We are always listening!